Rail passengers returning to school and work after the summer holidays should brace themselves for a ‘perfect storm’ of major disruption.

Northern staff in the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union are expected to walk out on Friday, September 1 and Monday September 4. There are also ongoing roadworks AND continuing problems around Bolton’s rail routes.

The fifth Northern walk-out in five months, it’s part of a long-running dispute over plans to introduce driver-only trains.

The strike will affect thousands of passengers as only 1,800 out of 5,000 services that would usually be tabled over those two days will run.

Those services still running will start after 7am and stop before 7pm. They could be extremely busy and your journey could take longer than usual.

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Some routes will be replaced by buses but others - including Manchester to Chester and Piccadilly to Crewe - won’t run at all.

And those heading to the Blackpool Illuminations will have to find another way home as the last trains depart well in advance of the finish time.

There will also be no direct service from Manchester to Leeds, although TransPennine runs this route.

Northern is advising passengers to only travel if necessary and check the route before setting off.

Problems will be compounded by existing disruption to trains around Bolton . There will be no services on the Manchester-Preston via Bolton route because of a burst water main and damaged bridge at Moses Gate - which is also causing traffic congestion. The A6 through Stockport is also closed for engineering work.

Transport bosses in Greater Manchester are scrambling as many trams as possible and getting extra staff to work at bus stations.

Sharon Keith, Northern’s Regional Director described the action as ‘disappointing’, adding: “It aims to cause disruption to people’s lives, businesses and the economy.”

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Urging the RMT to return to talks, she said they had guaranteed jobs and current pay for all conductors over the next eight years but offers to discuss this further had been rejected.

Previous strike action has taken place on the day of the Grand National and City’s clash with Hull, as well as the first day of work after a Bank Holiday Weekend.

The M.E.N has contacted the RMT for comment.

Your strike questions answered....

My train is cancelled, what are my options?

Rail customers with monthly or season tickets will get free tram travel.

Where you can use another train operator, your ticket will be accepted - and your fare will be valid on Arriva buses.

Can I claim compensation?

Customers who travel on a strike day and experience a journey delay of 30 minutes or more can claim compensation through Northern’s Delay Repay scheme. Customers with season tickets that don’t include buses, trams or ferries, who decide not to travel due to strike action, can also claim compensation. All compensation claims can be made using Northern’s Delay Repay process – just go to Northern’s website or ask for a form at any staffed station.

Which Greater Manchester services WILL run between 7am-7pm on both days - and which will be replaced by buses?